Shockwave Therapy: What You Need to Know?

Shockwave therapy is a medical technology designed to treat a wide range of orthopedic conditions and musculoskeletal problems. The treatment has gained widespread recognition due to its proven effectiveness in cases of inflammation and calcifications at the attachment points of tendons and ligaments to bone, including areas such as the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee. One of the prominent applications is the treatment of heel spurs, where the therapy has demonstrated significant ability to reduce pain and improve function.

Research findings from the past decade indicate exceptionally high success rates - between 65% and 95% in measures of pain reduction and functional improvement. In cases of chronic calcification in the shoulder area, for example, research data shows that the treatment not only reduces pain and improves mobility, but can even cause complete dissolution of the calcification.

Mechanism of Action of Shockwave Therapy

The treatment procedure is performed with the patient lying down or sitting, depending on the body area being treated. The physician applies a special conductive gel to the skin and places a treatment head that generates the shockwaves. There are several different technologies for these devices, varying in the method of wave generation, the level of control and focusing, the depth of tissue penetration, the intensity of the impulse, and other characteristics.

Why Is Shockwave Therapy Superior to Other Alternatives?

The shockwaves penetrate deep into the tissues and create a mechanical "shock" that triggers a biological response. This process encourages the body to activate natural healing mechanisms and deal with inflammation effectively. Compared to conventional treatment approaches such as anti-inflammatory medications, physiotherapy, medical massage, corticosteroid injections, or acupuncture - shockwave therapy offers a significant advantage. While traditional treatments may be helpful in early stages of the problem, when the condition becomes chronic and does not respond to these methods, shockwaves often provide the desired solution.

Treatment Safety and Possible Side Effects

Shockwave therapy is a proven and safe procedure with a history of many years of clinical use. Side effects are rare and mild, primarily including transient tingling sensation, temporary local redness in the treatment area, or mild discomfort that passes quickly. In other words, the safety profile of the treatment is excellent, with minimal risks.

When Can Results Be Expected?

The standard treatment protocol includes several sessions, each lasting approximately 20 minutes, with an interval of about two weeks between treatments. Many patients report immediate pain relief after the first treatment, however it is important to understand that this is usually a temporary effect resulting from tissue stimulation. Real and sustained improvement in the clinical condition typically begins to manifest after the third or fourth treatment in the series, when the biological healing processes reach their peak.